After the death of his wife, Carson Drew decides to leave Chicago behind and make a fresh start with his daughter 16-year-old daughter Nancy in River Heights. Nancy is asked by Flora to help solve the ghostly activity at her home, the Twin Elms mansion. Can she help explain the creaking footsteps, exploding lightbulbs and the ominous creature? Is it the handiwork of high-school bully Derek Barnes? Or is it possible that the ghost of original owner Malcolm Colfax is back for revenge? Recruiting her best friends George and Bess, along with local “mean girl” Helen, Nancy Drew is on the case!

Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase Escape Room & Mystery Match Blog App:• Welcome to the Interactive Nancy Drew Escape Room – to escape, you must solve riddles and find items to uncover the three numbers needed to open to door. Good Luck! • In the Mystery Match Video Puzzle, use your mouse to click + drag puzzle pieces to unlock clips from the film.

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Having a baby is one of the scariest, most incredible things you will ever do. Your life changes forever, your priorities switch in an instant. No longer are you the most important thing in your life, you now have this precious, tiny baby to protect and look after. Their happiness becomes your number one priority. However, that’s not to say you should stop caring for yourself too. In fact, when you’re a parent it’s more important than ever, since you now have your little one depending on you. Here are some of the ways you can take care of yourself, get in a good place in your mind and ensure everything runs smoothly over the pregnancy and first few months.

Batch cook meals before the birth

When your baby arrives, the early days will be all about caring for them and sleeping whenever you can! The first few weeks and months while you get used to things are particularly challenging, and preparing healthy and home cooked meals will probably be the last thing on your mind. However, nutrition is key, you need the right foods for your body to heal and also to produce good quality milk if you’re breastfeeding. One thing you can do is batch cook meals ahead of time. Most things will be good in the freezer for many months, so you can spend a few months towards the end doing this. Make batches of your favourite meals (including plenty of veg and nutritious ingredients where possible), then divide it into portion sized Tupperware containers and freeze. Once your little one arrives, you have easy access to food that unlike takeout won’t cost you a fortune and isn’t full of hidden nasties. Pop in the microwave and you’re good to go! At the start, friends and family will often look after you by bringing over meals for you, but this won’t last forever. Having a few months of meals cooked and ready to go can really make your life much easier during this time. Invest in some good boxes, and be sure to label everything- writing on it what it is, and the date it needs to be used by. If you cook a number of different meals it will stop things from getting boring, there’s lots of information on batch cooking and recipe ideas on sites like Pinterest.

Take advantage of your nesting instincts

Another thing that’s well worth getting sorted ahead of time is your home. If your current place is too small for a baby and you know you’ll have to move in the near future, moving before they’re born is always going to be the best option if you’re able to. You can get set up in the new place and have their nursery set up (even though they won’t need it right away) just to have peace of mind that everything is sorted. A lot of women get ‘nesting’ instinct before having a baby where they feel a strong urge to clean and get organised- take advantage of this! Having your house clean from top to bottom and fully organised will make it much easier to stay on top of when your baby arrives. Plus, since they’re so sensitive and delicate you’ll want to make sure the home is free of germs, mould, dust mites and other harmful things. It can be worth using natural products or those that are free of powerful chemicals. Consider things like cushions, throws, sofas and carpets which are traps for nasties. Hiring a carpet cleaning company and putting your soft furnishings on a hot wash are ways to resolve this. Organise things like drawers and cupboards so you know where everything is. But importantly, don’t over exert yourself. It’s tempting to want to start pulling out furniture and really getting in there, but you have to be careful while you’re pregnant. Rope in friends and family to help.

Hire extra help

Having your house in order will make it easier to stay on top of the cleaning and housework when your little bundle of joy arrives, but getting through everything is still easier said than done when you’re looking after a newborn. Don’t be afraid to utilise different services out there to make everything run more smoothly for you. You could have a cleaner or maid come in, a few times a week and make sure the house is clean and tidy for you. You could have a laundry service come and wash and iron all of the clothes, this is useful when you have a new baby and are going through lots of clothes. You could even hire a nanny a couple of days a week to watch the baby so you can catch up on some rest. If you have the means to be able to do this, it can make these early days and weeks much more manageable. One of the hardest things is functioning without sleep, and trying to get everything done around the home while also caring for your baby. So utilising the help and services that are out there is a smart move. It could be something you do just for a few weeks, a few months or on an ongoing basis. If you don’t have a close network of friends and family to help you out it can be particularly worthwhile. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, you’re not expected to be able to do everything! If paying for a company to come in and provide you with a much needed service works for you, then go for it.

Get your finances in order

Having a baby is an expensive time. Not only do you need to potentially move house and buy a new car, you also need to purchase everything they need. Furniture, a pram, baby clothes and much more don’t come cheap and will all add up. On top of this, you’ll need to take at least some time off work meaning your pay is reduced. For this reason, it’s important to be prepared with your finances. Budget carefully, and work out how you’ll afford your bills when you don’t have your full income coming in. It could be worth establishing a side hustle early on, something like freelance writing can be done from home, with no upfront costs and no physical strain to your body. If you already have an established blog, you could look into ways to monetise it. That way you have a way of earning money right up until your baby is born, it’s even something you could return to afterwards if you’re not ready to straight back into the world of employment. Depending on your situation and where you live, you might be entitled to some help from the government so do look into this and see what you’re eligible for. It can make things much easier to know you have at least some income while you’re off work.

Start exercising again- when you’re ready

There’s a huge amount of pressure on new mums to spring ‘back into shape’ after having a baby. With the media focusing on celebrities who seem to shed the excess weight within weeks it can leave you feeling under pressure to do so. But don’t feel that way- most women take some time for their bodies to return to something that resembled their prior shape. There’s no shame in this whatsoever, after carrying a baby for nine months it’s going to take some time! You don’t want to start exercising as you feel like you need to return to your old body quickly, instead, see it as a way to build strength and help yourself recover. Listen to your doctor’s advice, don’t rush it as it can be dangerous. Once you’re repaired enough to start doing exercise then just do what you can, start by taking your baby out for walks in the pram. Later down the line, you could get a jogging stroller such as https://parentingpod.com/best-double-jogging-stroller/ to up the pace and even go hiking. But it all takes time, start small and build your way up. Make exercise part of your life, very few new mums have the time or energy to hit the gym every day. Take your baby to classes,there are lots designed for mum and baby. You could take them for a paddle in the swimming pool once it’s safe to do so.

Looking after yourself mentally and physically is important when you’ve had a baby. These tips should help you to get things in order before the birth, and ensure a smooth transition afterwards.

Spending more time outdoors is a fantastic way to preserve and improve mental health and wellbeing, as well as physical health. Getting outside and enjoying some fresh air and sunlight is great for seasonal depression, can lower blood pressure and stress, and improve your vitamin D levels, amongst other things. Even getting out for a short amount of time each day is better than not getting out at all!

Below, we’re going to talk you through some fun ways you can spend more time outdoors:

Go On Family Walks/Hikes

How about starting by planning regular family walks and hikes? You don’t have to start hiking if you’re not used to walking together yet. Simply walking to the store rather than taking the car can be a great start. When you all feel ready, you can start taking longer walks and investing in the correct equipment to help you, such as walking boots and waterproof jackets. This can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors while bonding and spending quality time together.

You could even go on night walks together in your pyjamas. They are a great way to wind down before bed time and relax.

2. Ride Bikes

Riding bikes can almost make you forget that you’re working out at all. It’s a great way to burn some excess calories and energy, as well as see lots of cool, beautiful scenery and visit new places. There are bound to be lots of bike trails that you can try out near you – see if you can find them online, use an app, or buy a book. Just make sure you invest in the proper safety equipment so that you don’t end up hurt! i

3. Take More Trips To New Places

Planning more trips to new places gives you the perfect excuse to spend more time outdoors. What’s better than exploring a new town or city with the people you love? Take in the scenery and get in your steps as you walk around a new and exciting place.

4. Create A Space Where You Can Relax Outside Your Home

You won’t always be able to go on a trip somewhere, so why not create a space you can use to relax outside of your home? Places like Patio Productions do outdoor furniture that is great for all kinds of seasons, so you know you’re investing your money in something that will last. You might also want to include coffee tables, heaters, and other accessories so that you can enjoy your outdoor area whatever the weather. Go out and eat your lunch, enjoy a book, or just chat to your loved ones!

5. Go Camping

Camping is a fantastic way to get back in touch with nature. You can leave your technology, like phones and tablets at home, and simply enjoy your surroundings and the company of the people you love the most. Depending on how long you’re planning on camping for and the weather conditions you’ll need to make different arrangements. During the height of summer, for instance, you may not need to invest in an expensive tent. However, if it’s likely to rain, making sure you have a tent that will protect you and your belongings is a must.

6. Have A Picnic

Plan a picnic and head to a park or an outdoor area you really love to enjoy it. Just make sure you pack your items properly to avoid them going warm or off. You don’t want any of your picnic guests to fall ill!

7. Walk A Dog

If you don’t have a dog, this doesn’t mean you should get one. You can always volunteer to walk dogs from shelters who don’t have owners to walk them regularly. You will make their day, and you might just find a dog that you really want to adopt. Walking a dog is not only a great way to get outside and get some exercise, it can be massively therapeutic!

8. Go To The Park

Head to the park and play on the swings. Alternatively, sit on a bench and people watch. There’s always fun stuff happening at the park!

Having a nature journal or a scrapbook is a fantastic excuse to go outside more. You can use it to detail where you’ve been and what you saw, as well as include photos you’ve taken, and even pressed flowers and leaves. It’s a wonderful hobby that can give you a sense of satisfaction!

10. Work Outside

If the weather allows, you could always find a place to work outside. If you have appropriate seating, then you can sit, if you have a picnic blanket, sometimes that will do! Kids can do homework while you complete any outstanding work. Working outside may not be something you can do all day, but it can give you a healthy dose of sunlight and fresh air and make you feel more positive for the rest of the day.

If you can’t go right outside because of the weather, a conservatory can give you a great place to enjoy nature and sunlight without being subject to the elements.

11. Take Up An Outdoor Hobby

If you want to try something new, why not take up an outdoor hobby? Archery is a great hobby, as it’s a lot of fun, includes elements of fitness, and isn’t an outdoor hobby where you are required to harm living things. Then, there’s geocaching – a hobby fit for the whole family! All you have to do is get the coordinates and then go and find treasure left by the previous group. When you find the treasure, you can put it back for others to find, or take something providing you leave something else in there. It’s a lot of fun for people of all ages!

Which of these ideas will you use to spend more time outdoors? Leave a comment and let us know what you’re thinking – as well as any of your own ideas below!

If you have recently added to your brood you are relocating due to work, the chances are you will need to look for a new home to call your own. You may have loved the time you have spent in your current property but feel that now is the time to move on to pastures new. However, it’s not easy to simply pick up sticks and move to a new home when you have a mortgage and need to sell the one you are currently in. To maximize your profit and ensure that you achieve the optimum price for your pad, you need to implement a plan that sees your home appear irresistible to potential buyers. Take a look at these three simple ways to leap up the housing ladder.

Spend A Little

To facilitate the sale of your humble abode, you need to get it fit for sale. This means dressing it in a way so that it exudes a lifestyle appropriate to your target market. If the bathroom suite of your property is a rather fetching shade of avocado green, swap it for a more modern white suite. If your kitchen cabinet doors are falling off their hinges, either swap them for new more modern doors, or change the units altogether. It’s important that your home is a dwelling that is ready to move into. If it appears to need lots of renovation work, a potential buyer will try and knock you down on your asking price. You need to maximize this in order to leap up the housing ladder.

If you are wondering how you can work out the best list price for your home, head to a site like William Pitt that will provide you with three instant online valuations for your dwelling. This will give you an excellent ballpark figure to help you understand what you might be able to achieve.

Declutter And Decorate

Sometimes your home may be structurally sound but still has a few too many personal touches making it difficult for potential buyers to see how they can put their own stamp on your property. Whip out the white paint and cover the deep damson hue in the dining room and the lemon yellow in the kitchen. By creating a blank canvas you will be showing anyone viewing your home just how simple it will be to move in and get decorating themselves. Most buyers want to do a little something to a new home, so make this easy for them.

Get rid of the toys adorning every shelf and put any unwanted junk in your loft rather than on the floor in the corner of the living room. No matter how small your property might be, you need to make it appear spacious and livable.

Don’t Be Greedy

Just because you may need a certain sales price to get the house of your dreams doesn’t mean this is attainable. Look at the ceiling price for your property and don’t list above this. Any savvy buyer will know the prices and property forecasts like the back of their hand so don’t be too greedy otherwise you won’t get footfall through the door.

Selling your home is a balancing act between achieving the optimum price and selling quickly. Use these ideas to facilitate your next move up the housing ladder.

Losing your hearing is generally something that happens gradually as we age but it can happen at any point in our lives young and old. At first we notice that we’re not following conversations particularly well, especially when there are several people talking, then the television volume levels creep up, finally we have to admit that we’re struggling.

It’s not an easy admission to make to yourself, even harder to admit to other people but as with all medical issues, the sooner it gets dealt with, the sooner you can find a workable and practical solution. The good thing about hearing issues are that there are solutions out there and they’re not as cumbersome or as obvious as you might think.

If you are recommended to wearing a hearing aid, you’ll want to know which one is the right one for you. You can learn more here and from our handy guide below.

In the ear options

When you’re looking for a little discretion and don’t want people to focus in on your hearing aid, there are some very smart, very discreet options out there that will suit you down to the ground.

These hidden aids are still powerful but they’re not the cumbersome versions of yesteryear. They can be placed just inside the ear and are generally the color of your own skin tone to be even more hidden. There are several different versions so talk to your hearing specialist about which option will answer your needs and help your hearing and self-confidence.

Traditional style

Behind-the-ear options are still on the market but if you have an image in your mind of large, unwieldy contraptions with lots of wires, think again.

These days their modern designs mean they are much smaller and tuck behind the ear very snugly.

Like the in-ear versions you’ll be able to choose from a range of wiring options and colors and will be pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to operate remove and replace.

Worn on the body

If you currently wear glasses you might be able to have your hearing aid fitted into the arm of your glasses that sits behind your ears. Combining your aid with your glasses is the perfect way of providing a two-in-one solution and means that wearing your hearing aid will become as natural as putting on your glasses when you get out of bed in the morning.

A discreet and stylish option that means no one will need to know that you’re wearing one.

For those who can’t wear hearing aids in or behind the ear there are other options available such as bone conducting devices that are attached to the skull and packs that are worn on the body. Talk to your specialist to decide which device will work best for you.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described earlier on, don’t panic, it’s more than likely that there will be a workable solution for you that will suit your style, budget and lifestyle down to the ground.

Have a look on lifestyle blogs that discuss hearing loss for some reassurance and take back control today.